Oil-free compressors

Oil-less or oil-free compressors are compressors that don’t use oil. They’re the top choice for dentists, orthodontists, hospitals, salons, air suspension vehicles, food processing plants, chemical companies, and more. They’re even gaining in popularity.

So, how does a compressor without oil work?

Well.

All joking aside, compressors typically have a coating, such as Teflon, to keep the rotors moving smoothly without oil lubrication. In Kaeser’s case, the company uses blasted and bonderized rotors with a special coating process. These rotors are durable, resisting temperatures up to 575°F. Because this coating is highly abrasion-proof, its sealing and protection performance remain consistent — even after years of operation.

Why oil-free compressors?

Oil-free compressors are still catching on in popularity, but there are some very good reasons to have a compressor that doesn’t use oil — clean air and environmentally friendly, less maintenance, and more affordable to operate.

Cleaner air

Air quality control for pharmaceutical, healthcare, dentist offices, food manufacturing, beverage, and chemical industries — which are heavily regulated — could benefit from a compressor without oil.

Oil-lubricating air compressors do their best to keep oil vapors and particulates from entering the system. However, oil can still seep into the air and create contamination issues. Oil-free compressors do not have this concern. 

Environmentally friendly

Going green goes along with cleaner air. Companies looking for an environmentally-friendly compressor will appreciate an oil-free system. Not only do they use less energy, but they require no oil, which means there’s less air pollution and less oil that’s used and discarded. There are even incentives for some companies to switch from oil compressors to oil-free.  

Green companies, those creating solar panels, wind turbines, EV cars, and more might invest in oil-free to further lower their footprint and prove to their consumers they care about the environment.

Reduced maintenance

Oil-free compressors require far less maintenance. The main reason for this is that oil-lubricated compressors have oil that becomes dirty and breaks down; it needs to be replaced regularly, much like the oil in your vehicle. The oil level also needs to be checked regularly, and the oil filter, which prevents vapor from contaminating the air supply, needs to be replaced. 

These maintenance tasks are not required for oil-free systems. 

Kaeser indicates that fewer wearing parts and premium quality materials ensure reduced maintenance requirements, longer service intervals, and extended service life. Since the compressor doesn’t need oil tested or changed, that’s also an expense that’s eliminated. And large doors make it easier for a technician to assist in maintenance or repairs. That could mean fewer hours in total to service your compressor, even when it does need maintenance or repairs.

More affordable to operate

According to Kaeser Compressors, capital expenses and maintenance costs account for only a small part of a compressor’s total life cycle expenditures. Energy is typically the largest expense when it comes to compressors, so any efficiency saves money.

In addition, the oil-free compressor is easier to maintain and requires less maintenance.

Can be mobile

Kaeser makes a mobile oil-free compressor to use on the go, wherever you are. That could be handy in construction and other jobs where compressors need to go with you. Some authorized dealers even enable you to rent this equipment.

Oil-free compressor options

Elevated Industrial Solutions has the CSG-2, DSG-2, and FSG-2 series of two-stage oil-free rotary screw compressors. Download the technical specs to see options (such as water or air cooling).

We can even engineer a solution for you, making the installation turnkey. Contact us if you’re ready to jump into the 21st century and get an oil-free compressor, incorporating it into your existing system. We’re a Kaeser authorized dealer in South Carolina, Michigan, Northern Ohio (near Toledo), and Southern Ohio (Cincinnati / Dayton area, including Kentucky).